More than Friends, Practically Family // Claremont, California

I have to begin by sharing how I met this beautiful family.  I would actually have to go back a year to begin.  Jarron was only in Kindergarten.  As the school months had passed, Jarron continued to speak of his classmate, Noelle.  One of the most adorable little girls I had seen, so sweet and always took care of Jarron.  (As most of you know, Jarron could be quite shy most of the time).  Every morning, we would see Noelle and either her mom or Lola (grandma).  We always exchanged the usual "Good Mornings" and went on with our day.  

As the months had gone by, many of Jarron's classmate's would say hello "Jarron's Mom" or "Jarron your Mom's here to pick you up".  I guess it's the Kindergarten thing to do!  One day, a little girl looked at me and said "Hi! Noelle's Mom!!"  I smiled and laughed to myself and said, oh no, I am Jarron's mom.  If you know me well enough, you know I had to share it with Noelle's mom.   

BOOM!  It's like lightning had struck and we've been inseparable ever since.  Funny side note, we laugh because Rena and I have TOO much in common, we always say the GOD just couldn't handle breaking the mold, he made 2 of us.   

At last, here are some of our most favorite images from one of our most favorite of families.   

Super Fun Family Session // Old Town Pomona, California

Music is one of the few things that are able to keep a bond between people regardless of beliefs or backgrounds.  So when you have a family that is even closer by their love of the same music, that bond is untouchable.   

You may recognize Jeanelle from one of my previous posts.  She's just that incredible.  She's a wonderful mom!   

Jeanelle, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture the all the fun of your family.  I look forward to seeing Rolly and Faith continue to grow in to amazing people.  Congrats on everything and cheers to continued success!

Personal Portraits of A Strong, Independant Woman // Jeanelle

It's my pleasure to introduce you to Jeanelle.  She's a lover of GOD, a daughter, a sister, & a mother to 2 amazing children.  If you thought that was enough, she's also been described by friends, co-workers and family to be one of the most inspirational, hard working, a role model to her students, a dear friend to many, a Star Wars Lego lover, fun to be around, I can go on and on, there are so many more wonderful things to be said about her.  Jeanelle is a strong, independant woman who stands strong for what she believes in.    

Jeanelle is not only an RN as serves as a Critical Care Educator at USC, she is also an entrepreneur as an associate for Usana Health Sciences, Inc. and yet still finds time to be with her children, spend time with family and teach Sunday School at her church. She recently was recognized as one of the newest directors of TEAM WEST,  a collection of highly motivated individuals with the philosophy of "We Encourage Success Today."    

Here are some personal portraits of the wonderful Jeanelle.  

Commit to Success.

Success is a certain feeling you have about yourself.

It’s a very positive, energetic, motivating feeling –

a feeling of ambition, drive, confidence, and forward momentum.

 -unknown

Logan's First Birthday // Koreatown, California

Chris and I had the opportunity a couple of weeks back to take part in such an awesome celebration.  It was the celebration of Logan's 1st Birthday!!!  With both of his parents of Korean heritage, it was filled with such amazing details, ceremonies, and a more than awesome first year video that Logan's parents, Franco and Katie worked to put together.  We hope you enjoy their celebration captured by us as we are more than excited to share the fun we had.   

Happy Birthday Logan, we look forward to celebrating many more years with you!   

As guests entered, they were given a ticket to see if they could predict what symbol Logan would choose when it came time for doljabi.  

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Logan chose the Bow & Arrow which symbolized a Brave Warrior.  All of their guests young and old alike have a wonderful time celebrating!

The Lover & A Fighter // Tina

For most of us, we know the saying "I'm a lover not a fighter".  For these amazing mom's they are both.  They are daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, wives, mother's and fighters.  

I want to introduce you to Tina.  We had the opportunity to meet at the Mommy and Me Cancer Foundation photo session in Brea.  The first thing that I remember when meeting TIna was her beautiful, contagious smile.  She radiates love and happiness.   

Thank you again MAMCF for blessing us with the moments we shared and will continue to share.  

Be sure to take a moment and show Tina some love in the comments section below. 

Bittersweet Treats LA // Pasadena, California

It all began at the beautiful Storrier-Stearns Japanese Garden, where we had the blessing of meeting Linda, owner of Bittersweet Treat LA.  We were blown away by the wonderful array of desserts that Linda had for the event.  Not only were they absolutely stunning to look at, they were ridiculously great tasting!  With their Modern take on Classic Desserts, elegant wedding cakes and not to mention their innovative catering options, how can you not fall in love? 

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For many of you that know me, I am a dessert fanatic.  So to meet Linda who obviously shares her love for sweet treats as I do, we were destined to be great friends!  Linda is super fun, easy going and just awesome to be around.  We are happy to call her our friend.  Cakes, cookies and cupcakes are not the only things that her talented team do, they also offer savory items and ice cream!  With all the awesomeness baked daily, it's a treat shop of heavenly goodness.  

WARNING:  Please be prepared to salivate and please refrain from licking your computer screen or phone.  

Here's just a glimpse of how talented her team is, check out the detail on this birthday cake?  If you are looking for an amazing cake, birthday or wedding, and you want something, beautiful to look at and delicious as well, please take a moment and contact the fabulous team at Bittersweet La - you won't be sorry.

Bittersweet LA is currently closed for remodeling but are still taking catering and online orders.  You can still satisfy your cravings and find Bittersweet at farmer's markets across LA, and be sure to say Hello to Linda!

Wednesdays:  Miracle Mile - 5700 Wilshire Blvd from 9am-2pm

Friday: Monrovia Night Market - 612 S. Myrtle from 5pm-9pm

Saturday: La Canada - 1346 Foothill Blvd from 9am-2pm

 & Beverly Glen -  2936 N. Beverly Glen Cir from 9am-2pm

Sunday: Old Town Pasadena - 54 E. Holly from 9am-2pm

& Larchmont  - 209 N Larchmont from 9am-2pm

Love. Inspiration. Strength. Hope. // Deigh

To me, each session with a family, child, or individual is a blessing.  Each and every one of you have become part of my life and leave a mark of happiness, many unknowingly.    The sessions done with Mommy & Me Cancer Foundation is no exception.  I am proud to say that I am part of such an amazing organization founded to provide support to mothers battling life-threatening cancer while raising minor children.  If you have the opportunity, please take a moment to support MAMCF.  There are a few events coming up to support our wonderful mom's and would love for you to show some love and support.

WIthout further adieu, I would love for you to meet Deigh.  One of our MAMCF moms. Her smile lights up every room, is absolutely fun-loving and just a wonderful person to be around.  She is diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.   Deigh is a true fighter and is ready to conquer the world.  

Deigh has an adorable 3 year old little girl.  One of their most favorite pastimes is hanging out at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland.     

Please come back soon as we still have 2 more beautiful mom's we would love for you to meet.   

Special thanks to Jenn and the wonderful team of MAMCF.

These Mama's are truly an inspiration.   

Forever grateful,